Chilling video reveals how coronavirus spreads from a single cough in a supermarket

A startling video has shown just how far droplets can disperse in busy indoor spaces as governments across the globe try to control the spread of coronavirus. 

Researchers in Finland created an animation that models how COVID-19 could spread from a single cough in a supermarket.

A cloud of aerosol particles can be seen expanding in a single shop aisle before dispersing to the next.

"In the 3D model, a person coughs in a corridor bounded by shelves under representative indoor ventilation airflow conditions," scientists at Finland's Aalto University said.

"As a result of coughing, an aerosol cloud travels in the air to the corridor. It takes up to several minutes for the cloud to spread and disperse."

"Preliminary results indicate that aerosol particles carrying the virus can remain in the air longer than was originally thought, so it is important to avoid busy public indoor spaces," the researchers explain in a statement.

The researches also modelled the movement of viral particles as they travel through the air, noting that the particle size for a dry cough is typically quite small compared to those with more phlegm.

"Extremely small particles of this size do not sink on the floor, but instead, move along in the air currents or remain floating in the same place," they said in the statement.

The study explains exactly how these viral particles move, and the importance of coughing into your elbow or wearing a properly adjusted face mask while completing essential outings in public.